The Inner Worldhttp://theinnerworld.in
The Inner World draws on information from the golden heritage of yoga, with articles on Ayurveda,Travel,Beauty, Home Affairs, Vedic Culture and much moreThu, 08 Mar 2018 03:38:05 +0000enhourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.4Superfood: Saffronhttp://theinnerworld.in/health-and-beauty/health-perspective/superfood-saffron/
http://theinnerworld.in/health-and-beauty/health-perspective/superfood-saffron/#respondThu, 08 Mar 2018 03:38:05 +0000http://theinnerworld.in/?p=2803Prana interpenetrates all aspects of Creation and divides itself into various frequencies, resulting in all aspects of manifested Creation, which can also be called the physical world. To a clairvoyant, the manifested world looks like a reflection of various colours and shades. From this higher form of colours, we can do any changes in the...

Prana interpenetrates all aspects of Creation and divides itself into various frequencies, resulting in all aspects of manifested Creation, which can also be called the physical world. To a clairvoyant, the manifested world looks like a reflection of various colours and shades. From this higher form of colours, we can do any changes in the physical world or lower form.

In the previous issue we discussed the properties of orange. Now let’s look at the next colour, Kesari or Saffron, as it is popularly known. Saffron is not so abundant in nature as the other colours. There are not many foods that have this very unique prana. This is so because most of the normal day-to-day functions do not require this highly potent and rare energy, this form of prana is not the requirement of the majority of beings.

It is common knowledge that Lord Hanuman is considered as pure and unsurpassed energy and he is also called Kesari. It is also not a coincidence that Lord Hanuman is the presiding Deity of the Manipoorak chakra (located at the navel area), the colour of this chakra is Kesari (saffron) and the beej mantra is Ram .The mantra healing techniques use Ram as the chant to effectuate the energy body. There is a specific way to produce the dhwani of Ram. The whole body reverberates with energy when it is chanted in the right way.

Spiritual healers use Saffron prana to energise areas in the energy body which are degenerating and require an immediate dose of pure energy, needless to say that such healers who have the capacity to channelize Saffron are also very rare. Higher practice of Sanatan Kriya can manifest this ability in you.

As the Manipooraka chakra is the direct controller of the sense of sight, so Saffron in mild doses is used for improving eyesight. Its use is limited in the Ayurvedic system, but is used freely in the Unani and Chinese systems, both mainly for rejuvenating the stomach.

It is safe to depend on the food kingdom for this kind of prana. Saffron is the only food, which has this colour prana. A pinch of saffron with cow’s milk is a rejuvenating tonic. A word of caution here, taking more than one teaspoon of pure saffron in a week can be damaging to the kidneys and liver. It can cause kidney failure, which is why nature has been so cautious in giving us this Saffron prana.

Take two tablespoon of almond and two tablespoon of semolina with two teaspoon of saffron, make a fine powder and mix with cow milk. Make small tablets and dry them. Store these in a glass container. Mix one tablet with fresh cream and massage over the face. Completely avoid soap and people will start commenting on your radiance. If you wish to get this ready made, then you may request Dhyan Foundation/ Desi Cow Dairy.

]]>http://theinnerworld.in/health-and-beauty/health-perspective/superfood-saffron/feed/0A Smoky Good Morninghttp://theinnerworld.in/spirituality/sadhaks-experience/smoky-good-morning/
http://theinnerworld.in/spirituality/sadhaks-experience/smoky-good-morning/#respondWed, 07 Mar 2018 04:33:24 +0000http://theinnerworld.in/?p=2799It was a cozy morning and all of a sudden my alarm buzzed on its own, though I had not set it…lazily I opened my eyes and to my utter surprise, there was thick smoke all around! I looked over my shoulder to find my brother fast asleep, tucked in a blanket which was on...

It was a cozy morning and all of a sudden my alarm buzzed on its own, though I had not set it…lazily I opened my eyes and to my utter surprise, there was thick smoke all around! I looked over my shoulder to find my brother fast asleep, tucked in a blanket which was on fire! I could hear a humming sound in the background, which had the effect of calming me down.

Quickly, I woke my brother up. Barely awake, he managed to get out of the flaming blanket, turned off the room heater (which was the cause of fire) and went out of the room, as I instructed him. Then, I opened all the doors and windows. Suddenly, the smoke disappeared and the fire extinguished. I ran to check my brother, he was absolutely fine, not a scald. I felt the presence of Yogi Ashwini.

By this time, my mother came into the room and started pouring water. She was scolding me for not having called out to her on time and simultaneously checking both of us, if we sustained an injury. It was then that the severity of the situation and our narrow escape from the disaster dawned on the two of us.

Here, I am must confess I am the kind of person who panics and screams and shouts even at the sight of a cockroach in the house. And yet, with blazing fire on my bed, I was calm as the sea and managed to control the situation singlehandedly, without even calling out to my parents.

Now, when I sit back and think of the sequence of events – how my alarm buzzed on its own!!! It was not the time when I would usually set my alarm; it was just out of the blue! How fire extinguished of its own with all inflammable objects all around!! How I was so cool and calm!!! I have not a shadow of doubt in my head; it is the grace of Guru that saved us, nothing else.

]]>http://theinnerworld.in/spirituality/sadhaks-experience/smoky-good-morning/feed/0Eyes are the doorway to divinehttp://theinnerworld.in/spirituality/vedic-pathshala/eyes-doorway-divine/
http://theinnerworld.in/spirituality/vedic-pathshala/eyes-doorway-divine/#respondTue, 06 Mar 2018 04:29:52 +0000http://theinnerworld.in/?p=2796Ever wondered why across cultures and religions of the world, one closes their eyes to pray, to connect to a higher power? Yogi Ashwini mentions, “Eyes are an interface between the physical and the etheric world, eyes are a connection of yours with the physical world or at least the perception of it. The movement...

Ever wondered why across cultures and religions of the world, one closes their eyes to pray, to connect to a higher power?

Yogi Ashwini mentions, “Eyes are an interface between the physical and the etheric world, eyes are a connection of yours with the physical world or at least the perception of it. The movement of the eyeballs corresponds to the occurrence of thoughts as they are caught by the brain….Not many of us know that the most active muscles in the body are not the heart but the eye muscles.”

You must have experienced that most of your thoughts are associated with people and objects you experience visually. So the sense of vision stirs up the mind and keeps you away from turning inwards. This is one of the reasons why psychologists believe that up to 80% of human energy is lost through the eyes. Research estimates that eighty to eighty-five percent of our perception, learning, cognition and activities are also mediated through vision.

This extensive usage of the sense of vision leads to channelization of a very high percentage of energy to the eyes which affects the amount of energy available for other purposes including spiritual evolution. “Animals with large and well-developed eyes, necessary for their survival, pay a high price for them. As all animals have a strictly limited energy budget, a major investment in the visual system only occurs at a cost to other organ systems,” says Eric Warrant, researcher in Functional Zoology at Lund University in Sweden. This can be further understood from the fact that people who are blind are often reported as having extraordinary auditory, olfactory or other senses.

So then key to conserving our energy, key to staying young and healthy, and the key to connecting with the divine, lies in sitting still, with eyes closed.

In the epic of Mahabharata, Queen Gandhari voluntarily blindfolded herself for life as a mark of love and sacrifice for her blind husband which gave her tremendous powers. This power could be transferred to anything that she looked at first after opening her blindfold. So during the war when she had lost her 99 sons already, she asked her son to stand in front of her completely naked while she would remove her blindfold to look at his body. However her son Duryodhan was embarrassed to go completely naked in front of his mother and therefore covered his waist with a wide banana leaf. When Gandhari opened her blindfold and looked at her son for the first time all the power in her eyes was transferred to Duryodhan’s body making it iron like strong. However the part around the waist remained weak and vulnerable as it was concealed from her vision, which later on led to his defeat in his final battle with Bhima. When she realized what Duryodhan had done, she reprimanded Duryodhan for not following her instructions. Duryodhan requested her if she could repeat the whole process again and this time he would remove the banana leaf…but Gandhari explained to him that she was not a magician and had only transferred all the energy of her eyes to him…And there was no way to repeat the process since the energy had been given away already.

So energy that is actually conserved when our eyes are closed during dhyan or other kriyas gets lost to whatever you look at first after opening your eyes.

Now the question is how do we conserve this energy in our body?

Yogi Ashwini has given a simple solution for this.

You must have seen photos of great saints or demi gods with a stream of energy flowing out from their palms. You must have also heard of them having a healing touch. That is because palms have chakras which are capable of feeling, absorbing and giving energy.

If after dhyan, you can open your eyes while looking into the centre of your palms and then your whole body, it is possible to absorb all the prana conserved, back into your body through your palm chakras.

You could do the same at any time when you have kept your eyes closed for long like while waking up in the morning to conserve the prana.

]]>http://theinnerworld.in/spirituality/vedic-pathshala/eyes-doorway-divine/feed/0Accessing the Dev Lokhttp://theinnerworld.in/spirituality/vedic-pathshala/accessing-dev-lok/
http://theinnerworld.in/spirituality/vedic-pathshala/accessing-dev-lok/#respondMon, 05 Mar 2018 04:26:38 +0000http://theinnerworld.in/?p=2792 Energy can neither be created nor be destroyed, it only changes form. This is not only a fundamental law in Physics but the basis of this Creation. Everything we see around us is a form of this energy, which the vedic rishis called prana, having a specific frequency. The frequencies which lie in your...

Energy can neither be created nor be destroyed, it only changes form. This is not only a fundamental law in Physics but the basis of this Creation. Everything we see around us is a form of this energy, which the vedic rishis called prana, having a specific frequency. The frequencies which lie in your range are perceivable to you, those which lie below or above, you are unable to perceive, but that does not mean that they don’t exist. The frequencies of the physical dimension are just a minor part of the endless spectrum of frequencies of the Brahmand.

Try out a simple experiment, light a candle and put your palm over the candle flame and keep moving your palm higher and higher, you will reach a point when you are no longer able to feel the heat of the flame. Does that mean that no heat exists there? Certainly not, as generation of heat is a continuous process. You feel it only till the point the limited sensitivity of your palms allows it to be sensed, not beyond that. So is the case with the Creation. The various dimensions – manifested, semi-manifested and unmanifested exist. It is your level of sensitivity, level of consciousness that determines what dimension you are able to access.

Vedic sages gave a simple tool to access the semi-manifested dimension, or the devlok – Yagyas. Yagyas are a means to nourish the devas, a direct interaction with devlok and the forces that run this Creation. The practice involves making oblations to fire along with specific chants. The fire having the ability of transformation can transform the physical into the subtle and the mantras have the ability to manifest the ability and power of devas in the physical world; health, beauty and glow in the practitioner are some of the by-products.

To perform a yagya just take a copper bowl/kund, put some cow dung cake in it along with sesame and guggul. light fire using camphor and give oblations of ghee from a desi cow while chanting the mantras. You may also acquire a ready to do yagya kit from Dhyan Ashram. Repeat the candle experiment with yagya agni of comparable size. When you will try and feel the fire of the yagya you will feel a cooling and tingling kind of sensation, it would be very different from the stinging heat of the candle flame. I have personally done many experiments with the fire of the yagyas and many a times the people watching have put their hand in the fire, without feeling the sting or burn, you can watch these videos on our website (www.dhyanfoundation.com), manifestations of the gods and goddess are also there for you to witness.

For mantras to be effective, it is imperative to receive them from a siddha of that mantra, siddha has manifested that mantra into the physical realm for us to gain from it. A mantra cd or audio is useless.

Fire is the only element which cannot be polluted. It was sent in its present form from the heavens because of the penance of Rishi Bhrigu. Everything on earth has been sent to us from the gods. They have the ability to bless us with whatever we desire, yagya is a very potent tool for desire manifestation.

Dear Readers,

Thank you for your constant support and appreciation. We would love to hear more from you! Share your views, opinions and ideas with us at tiw.writers@gmail.com. These will be shared on our website, www.theinnerworld.in. Selected entries will be published in the print magazine.

]]>http://theinnerworld.in/spirituality/vedic-pathshala/accessing-dev-lok/feed/0Camel – The Sinking Ship Of The Deserthttp://theinnerworld.in/spirituality/karma-therapy/camel-sinking-ship-desert/
http://theinnerworld.in/spirituality/karma-therapy/camel-sinking-ship-desert/#respondFri, 02 Mar 2018 04:20:04 +0000http://theinnerworld.in/?p=2789Known as the ‘Ship of the Desert’ , Rajasthan and camels have a relation where one accentuates another. Camels are still used as postmen to deliver letters in the inaccessible parts of Rajasthan. They are used by villagers for travel, for transporting goods and even to draw water from the wells in parched Rajasthan. What...

Known as the ‘Ship of the Desert’ , Rajasthan and camels have a relation where one accentuates another. Camels are still used as postmen to deliver letters in the inaccessible parts of Rajasthan. They are used by villagers for travel, for transporting goods and even to draw water from the wells in parched Rajasthan. What makes them a preferred ‘ship’, is the low maintenance costs, given they sustain on dry grass and shrubs of the desert.

However, owing to rampant smuggling and illegal slaughter of the animal outside the state borders, the ship of the desert is fast sinking. The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) has already declared camels as an endangered species, the analysts claim population has reduced to one-fourth.

Kishanganj (Bihar): 61 Camels were rescued by two Dhyan Foundation volunteers, including a lady, who are now fighting the unusual legal battle facing continuous threat from the trafficking mafia.

Islampur (West Bengal): 36 Camels were rescued by Dhyan Foundation from being smuggled to Bangladesh for illegal slaughtering. The camels are safely transported to Sirohi.

Malda (West Bengal): Supporting the rescue of 60 Camels again in the hub of trafficking mafia, i.e. Malda, enroute Bangladesh. There was continuous threat during transportation of camels to safety and also during the legal battle for taking the possessions of the camels from butchers.

Jodhpur and Kotputli (Rajasthan): 60 camels in Jodhpur and 13 in Kotputli were rescued near the India-Pakistan border.

Gurgaon (Haryana): More than 100 camels found in Gurgaon en route Dasna, UP for slaughter.

Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh): 13 camels were rescued in Ghaziabad.

The above are some of the countless camel smuggling incidences in the last few months.

Know the Flaw

It is pertinent to mention here that camels fall under the category of restricted animal as per specified schedule of Wildlife Protection Act (1972) and therefore cannot be transported without obtaining the sanction of Department of Forest and Animal Welfare Board of India. Moreover Rajasthan Government has enacted the Rajasthan Camel (Prohibition of Slaughter and Regulation of Temporary Migration or Export) Act 2015, preventing unauthorized slaughter, transport and trade of camels. Strictures have been imposed on selling of camels at weekly bazaars in Rajasthan preventing farmers outside the state to buy them. There are also laws preventing bulk buying of camels.

There have been various litigations before high courts of Madras, Karnataka, Bombay, Kerala and also before Supreme Court of India challenging illegal export and smuggling of camels by transporting camels out of state of Rajasthan to other states. Directions have been passed by all these courts including the apex court directing various state agencies, animal husbandry departments including police to make a total ban and prohibition on illegal slaughter of camels.

And yet the camel is fast disappearing.

The Big Question

With the Rajasthan Camel Act clearly prohibiting the migration of camels outside Rajasthan – How can so many animals make it past Rajasthan’s border unnoticed?

How can they pass the toll gates of various states to be caught 14000km away on Indo-Bangladesh border? Is there a nexus brewing?

Many rescued camels were allegedly bought from Chadi Village Mela in Phalodi, Jodhpur, Rajasthan – but all concerned officials and law enforcers deny them being sent out of state. Did these camels land from space?

Camels which are bought at a meagre price in the melas, fetch Rs 70,000 to Rs 1,00,000 across the border – and the money from the trade is known to be pumped into funding terror outfits, arms smuggling, fake currency etc. Are we selling our country so that the terrorists in Pakistan and Bangladesh can feed off the camel meat?

It is time this is put to an end. Dhyan Foundation is working rigorously to move the authorities and government for a serious consideration; and volunteers are on the field saving camels daily. To help, #09810310987

]]>http://theinnerworld.in/spirituality/karma-therapy/camel-sinking-ship-desert/feed/0Reduce Kapha, Reduce Excess Fathttp://theinnerworld.in/health-and-beauty/health-perspective/reduce-kapha-reduce-excess-fat/
http://theinnerworld.in/health-and-beauty/health-perspective/reduce-kapha-reduce-excess-fat/#respondThu, 01 Mar 2018 04:17:31 +0000http://theinnerworld.in/?p=2786As discussed in the last article the primary reason for extra weight is an increased kapha, we shall now learn about some kapha reducing tonics which would be very beneficial for reduction of excess fat. When food in the stomach is not digested, then it produces ama [toxins] and excessive kapha, so Ayurveda prescribes certain...

As discussed in the last article the primary reason for extra weight is an increased kapha, we shall now learn about some kapha reducing tonics which would be very beneficial for reduction of excess fat.

When food in the stomach is not digested, then it produces ama [toxins] and excessive kapha, so Ayurveda prescribes certain tonics called Deepans, which ignite the digestive fire. A word of caution here, Deepan aggravates pitta so should not be used by people of high pitta prakriti.

An effective Deepan is ginger, which also has many medicinal properties. Including ginger in regular diet ensures proper digestion of food. A small piece of fresh ginger, along with black salt and lemon juice, can be chewed just before meals like a chewing gum. This ignites the pachak agni (digestive fire). Ginger tea can also be taken during the day. It is found to be effective in clearing mucous and is also a carminative. When fresh ginger is not available dried powder can be used.

You can also make herbal tea of fennel (as explained in the previous articles). Fennel can also be boiled unlike majority of other herbs. This tea can be taken throughout the day. Roasted fennel can be chewed after meals. A unique quality of fennel is that it does not aggravate pitta, so high pitta people can also use it.

Cumin seeds, technically they are fruits but are universally called seeds, can be chewed after meals along with fennel. Chewing cumin has an added benefit of not only acting as Deepan but also keeping the teeth clean.

Cold water should never be had with meals by vata and kapha types, pitta types may have it, but not in excess. Cold water extinguishes the digestive fire and spoils the digestive process of the body. As a rule, while using Deepans, drink only warm or hot water. In fact, warm water should be taken by everyone as a practice after meals

The Kalika Purana categorises Gandha dravyas (fragrances) under the following 10 heads: Ishtagandha or pleasant fragrances like sandalwood, musk etc; Anishthagandha i.e. an unpleasant smell such as that of a carcass; Madhuragandha – the sweet fragrance of flowers etc; Amlagandha or sour smells such as citrus fruits etc; Katugandha – pungent smells such as that of pepper; Niharigandha or spreading smells like that of asafoetida; Snigdhagandha or the sweet, oily fragrance of ghee; Rukshagandha – the pungent, oily smell of mustard oil; Vishadagandha – the smell of fermented rice etc and Samhatgandha or the fragrance of a mixture of perfumes. In this article, we’ll dwell on an Ishtagandha – sandalwood.

FRAGRANT SINCE ANTIQUITY

In Vedic literature, one can find numerous references of sandalwood oil, which is obtained from the inner wood of the tree. In fact, the sandalwood tree’s heartwood and oil are also among the first items India traded, along with spices and silk. Santalum album or the Indian sandalwood tree and the paste of its inner wood has an extraordinary fragrance and finds mention in the Kautilya Arthashashtra as – “light, smooth, not dry, unctuous with oil like butter, pleasant in smell, penetrating the skin, unobtrusive, not losing colour, capable of bearing heat, allaying heat and pleasant to the touch – these are the excellences of sandalwood.” Even before assuming a cosmetic role, sandalwood has been considered sacred and has cast a deep influence on our culture. As per Indian tradition, offering of sandalwood paste is made to deities.

VARIETIES OF SANDALWOOD

Interestingly, contrary to popular belief, there are many known types of sandalwood, depending upon their source of origin. Arthashashtra also details these different types, bearing their origin to various mountains. Sandalwood from Sātana mountain is red in colour and smells of earth. That from Gośīrsa is blackish red and smells like fish. Grāmeru chandan is red, reddish black in colour and has the distinct smell of goat’s urine. Sandalwood from Hari resembles the colour of a parrot’s feather and has the fragrance of a mango, as does that obtained from the mountain on the bank of the river Trnasā. Devasabhā and Jāpa chandan is red in appearance and is lotus smelling. Turūpa and Jonga chandan is smooth and appears red, reddish black in colour. However, sandalwood from the Mālā mountain is whitish red and that from Śākala is brown. That from Kāla mountain is reddish black or of saffron colour. Kośāgāra mountain chandan is black or black variegated, whereas that from Śitodakā has the lustre of the lotus or is black and smooth. And lastly, sandalwood from the Nāga mountain is rough or of the colour of moss. Such is the diverse variety of available sandalwood that was known to our ancients!

ATTAR IN ANCIENT PERFUMERY

In the olden times, attars were popular fragrances worn by kings and royals. Attars are either pure oils or a mixture of different essential oils, resins and concentrates in a natural base or carrier oil. But what sets it apart from other fragrances is the unique aroma of attar, attributed to the vapours of floral herbs condensed directly into sandalwood oil. Sandalwood oil too is unique, since it complements the aroma of other plant oils, making it one of the most preferred oils for perfumes.

One Fragrance, Countless Benefits

Sandalwood’s sweet, warm, and woody fragrance is known for its ability to retain its rich scent for many years and is thus an invaluable product in the perfume and fragrance industry. Possessing moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties, sandalwood oil acts as a coolant providing relief from many skin related conditions like acne, rash, inflammation and reducing scars. For sensitive skin, a mixture of sandalwood oil, turmeric powder and fresh lime juice when applied for 15 – 20 minutes and thereafter washed off with water proves an excellent remedy for acne. While most cosmetic purposes involve sandalwood oil, it is also used in the form of a powder. The wood paste is used as an ointment to dissipate heat as well as act as a beauty aid. Regular application of a paste of sandalwood powder, turmeric powder and multani mitti made in rose water will leave your skin hydrated, glowing and radiant. An -effective and natural skin rejuvenator, this paste is often applied as a permanent pre-bridal ritual.

]]>http://theinnerworld.in/health-and-beauty/beauty/everything-want-know-sandalwood/feed/0The Other Sister Alaknandahttp://theinnerworld.in/travel/the-other-sister-alaknanda/
http://theinnerworld.in/travel/the-other-sister-alaknanda/#respondTue, 27 Feb 2018 05:06:47 +0000http://theinnerworld.in/?p=2779Ganga has been called as the tirath of kaliyug. This tirath is fast receding. It is said that once Ganga retreats completely, kaliyug will end a few years after that. In this series of articles, we will attempt to trace the epic journey of Ganga, from Gomukh to Gangasagar. Har Har Gange! In the previous...

Ganga has been called as the tirath of kaliyug. This tirath is fast receding. It is said that once Ganga retreats completely, kaliyug will end a few years after that. In this series of articles, we will attempt to trace the epic journey of Ganga, from Gomukh to Gangasagar. Har Har Gange!

In the previous issue, we reached Devprayag, the godly confluence of Bhagirathi with Alaknanda, to flow henceforth as Ganga. Even though historic accounts term Bhagirathi as the source stream of Ganga, the importance of Alaknanda cannot be undermined, especially when it far exceeds Bhagirathi in length and volume. Therefore, before moving further, let us hear the story of Alaknanda, path it takes to meets its sister.

ORIGIN OF ALAKNANDA RIVER

Alaknanda River originates at Satopanth glacier, deriving its name from a ridge hidden in it, believed to be the road to truth (satya ka panth). As per Mahabharata, the Pandavas treaded this arduous trek to reach heaven. This journey is fruitful for only those who tread the path of satya or the yam of satya.

SATOPANTH TAL

Six kilometres above the snout of Alaknanda and 22km ahead of Badrinath, at a height of 4350m, lies the triangular Satopanth Tal. Chowkhamba ridge looms over the lake along with the Neelkanth, Balakun, Parvati and other peaks. The lake remains under snow from the end of September to the middle of May or sometimes end of June.

It is believed that the tridevs bathe in the lake on an auspicious day. Certain birds, not found anywhere else, are believed to pick up the pollutants of the lake keeping it clean. As per local legend, these are Gandharvas in disguise, who guard the lake against evils.

TREK FROM BADRINATH TO SATOPANTH TAL

It is a 6 day trek from Badrinath to Satopanth and back. From Badrinath, the first point to reach is Mana village (3 kms). There is a cave in Mana where Rishi Vyasa, according to legend, wrote the Mahabharata.

Crossing Chamtoli Bugiyal, at a total distance of 9km, lies the Lakshmi Van. It is said, Draupadi, the wife of Pandavas, breathed her last over here. On the opposite side are the picturesque Vasundhara falls. 11 km later, and having climbed the steep ridge of Sahasradhara, one reaches Charkateertha draped in green grass and surrounded by towering peaks. A 5km from there leads one to the Satopanth Tal. Towards the north lies Chowkhamba glacier, also called Swargarohini. There are two small lakes nearby.

BADRINATH

Situated on the banks of Alaknanda, in the Chamoli district in the state of Uttarakhand, Badrinath, is among the four major pilgrimages of India, the Chardham. The town is surrounded by mountain ranges of Nar and Narayan.

The town gets its name from the ancient Badrinath temple. According to legend, in 9th century, Adi Shankaracharya discovered a black stone image of Lord Badrinarayan (Lord Vishnu) made of Shaligram stone in the Alaknanda River. He enshrined it in a cave near the Tapt Kund, hot sulphur springs endowed with medicinal properties. In the sixteenth century, the King of Garhwal moved the murti to the present temple. The temple is approximately 50 ft (15 m) tall with a small cupola on top, covered with a gold gilt roof. The facade is built of stone, with arched windows. A broad stairway leads up to a tall arched gateway, which is the main entrance. Just inside is the mandapa, a large pillared hall that leads to the garbha griha, or main shrine area. The walls and pillars of the mandapa are covered with intricate carvings.

The main shrine houses the Shaligram of Badrinarayan, in a gold canopy under a Badri Tree. Lord Badrinarayan is depicted holding a Shankh (conch) and Chakra (wheel) in two hands and two hands rest on the lap in a yogmudra. The sanctum also houses images of the god of wealth—Kubera, sage Narada, Uddhava, Nar and Narayan. There are fifteen more images that are also worshipped around the temple, including Goddess Lakshmi (the consort of Vishnu), Garuda (the vehicle of Narayan), and Navadurga, the manifestation of Durga in nine different forms. All the idols of the temple are made of black stone. The two water ponds in the temple are called Narad Kund and Surya Kund.

The temple has undergone several major renovations due to its age and damage by an avalanche.

Badrinath, from the pages of history

Legend has it that Lord Vishnu sat for dhyan at this place. Goddess Lakshmi, protected him from the harsh weather, in the form of the Badri tree (jujube or Indian date). Pleased by the devotion of Devi Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu named the place Badrika Ashram.

According to the Bhagavata Purana, “There in Badrika Ashram the supreme being (Lord Vishnu), in his incarnation as the sages Nara and Narayana, had been undergoing great penance since time immemorial for the welfare of all living entities.” (Bhagavata Purana 3.4.22) It is with this reference that in the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna, addressing Arjuna, says, “Thou was Nara in a former body, and, with Narayana for thy companion, didst perform dreadful austerity at Badari for many myriads of years.”

The Skanda Purana narrates, “[t]here are several sacred shrines in heaven, on earth, and in hell; but there is no shrine like Badrinath.”

Editor’s Note

A word of caution, these places are not for tourism and must not be frivolously approached for “fun”. The energies in these places are conducive for sadhaks and those treading the path of their Guru to further their own spiritual journey on the path. If they are used for social outings then you will disturb the energies there and bring misfortune to yourself. The various calamities that happen at such places are ample proof of this. These places are for vairagya and moksh, not for fun and games. If you want to complete a sadhna without disturbances for your spiritual evolution, then these places are ideal for you.

]]>http://theinnerworld.in/travel/the-other-sister-alaknanda/feed/0Honi Anhonihttp://theinnerworld.in/straight-from-anahad/honi-anhoni/
http://theinnerworld.in/straight-from-anahad/honi-anhoni/#respondMon, 26 Feb 2018 12:04:53 +0000http://theinnerworld.in/?p=2776In olden times, it was common for rishis and yogis to do penance for days and months together. They would open their eyes only if some thought or action provoked them. Once a rishi was doing tapasya, when suddenly he was prompted to open his eyes. He looked around to see a bemata. There was...

In olden times, it was common for rishis and yogis to do penance for days and months together. They would open their eyes only if some thought or action provoked them.

Once a rishi was doing tapasya, when suddenly he was prompted to open his eyes. He looked around to see a bemata. There was a boy and girl born in the neighborhood, she had come to visit them. Bemata visits each house on the sixth day of the birth of a child to write their destiny. The rishi waited for her return. When she came back, he asked what she had written. She replied “horse for the boy, vaishya for the girl” and left. Rishi went back into dhyan.

Many years passed. The rishi decided to visit the boy and girl.

The boy lived in a tattered house. There was a horse tied outside the gate. He took people across on horseback and earned a meagre salary. Rishi told the boy to sell the horse and keep a part of the money earned for his food and distribute the rest among poor.

The girl’s situation was no better. She was vaishya who charged Rs.5, she lived in great penury. Rishi told her to increase the rate to Rs.50 and use excess money to feed the poor. She was bewildered. Even a king would not pay so much, she thought! But…she heeded the rishi’s advice.

The next day, rishi revisited them. There was a horse still at the boy’s gate. Rishi asked the reason. The boy replied, “Guru ji, I did as you instructed. However, last night someone left this horse on my gate.” Rishi told him to sell that horse also and not to ever keep the horse with him. As for the vaishya, her customers had started paying Rs.50. He told her to increase the rate to Rs.500.

Few months later, rishi went to check on them. In place of boy’s tattered shack, stood a big beautiful house. The boy informed, “Every morning I sold the horse, but every night a horse would come and stand at my gate. I continued selling and distributing the food among the poor.” The vaishya too had built a luxurious house for herself. As she increased the price, her clients also increased.

It was destiny that brought the horse to the boy, and that made girl a vaishya. No matter what they did, they could not escape it. Guru does not change the destiny of the shishya, instead he puts him/her on the path to use destiny for growth in spiritual or physical, as per desire of the soul. For this to happen, shishya has to have faith and follow Guru vakya like a mantra. Had the boy and the girl doubted or disobeyed the rishi’s advice, they would not have achieved what they did in such a short time. Bemata did not say rich or poor, she just said vaishya and horse.

What has to happen, happens. The exit route is nishkam karma or vairagya. Whatever we have done we have to pay for it, that’s our karma. So stop cribbing and look for a Guru to find an exit route from the pains and barriers of life.

]]>http://theinnerworld.in/straight-from-anahad/honi-anhoni/feed/0Try these Yoga techniques to fight Diabeteshttp://theinnerworld.in/spirituality/yogic-perspective/try-yoga-techniques-fight-diabetes/
http://theinnerworld.in/spirituality/yogic-perspective/try-yoga-techniques-fight-diabetes/#respondTue, 13 Feb 2018 04:55:56 +0000http://theinnerworld.in/?p=2771Our consciousness is all the time moving around and we are receiving energy from the whole Creation, through energy centers called chakras, which act like receptors and catch these frequencies and translate it into the body. Like the Manipoorak chakra will catch all the thoughts which are connected to power, Anahad chakra will catch all...

Our consciousness is all the time moving around and we are receiving energy from the whole Creation, through energy centers called chakras, which act like receptors and catch these frequencies and translate it into the body. Like the Manipoorak chakra will catch all the thoughts which are connected to power, Anahad chakra will catch all the thoughts which are connected to love, Vishuddhi chakra will catch all the thoughts connected to creativity.

A disease is an imbalance, which first enters your pranic layer (chakras and nadis) and then manifests into the physical body. A clairvoyant can see this imbalance in the form of grosser shades in the pranic layer, much before it sets into the body. For example, diabetes is caused by imbalance at the level of Manipoorak. When manifested, it affects the pancreas in the physical body and results in an uncontrolled increase in the sugar levels of the body. Lethargy and low energy levels are early symptoms.

If the disease has manifested in the body, it is recommended you see a good vaid or a doctor.

Here we detail certain remedies and asanas to prevent the disease from setting in. In case you are diabetic, these practices maybe adopted in tandem with the medical/ayurvedic treatment.

Remedy

Take 4-5 pieces of the Jamun tree bark. Heat them in an earthen utensil on coal under the ground. Combustion will take place and it will turn into powder. Ensure not to burn it and turn it into ash instead, as the process of combustion starts, you take it out, pound it and store it. Eat two 2 tsp full of the powder, 3 times a day with hot water.

This will give the strength to your pancreas which is going to help you manage diabetes. For more such Ayurvedic remedies one may refer to the book ‘Sanatan Kriya, The Ageless Dimension’

The remedy must be coupled with certain yogic asans to control the rising sugar levels in the body.

Asanas

It is important that the breath rate and heart rate do not shoot up while performing asans. But since these are repetitive asans, there is a possibility of a slight increase in the breath rate while performing them. Therefore it is vital to perform them in tandem with Sanatan Kriya to balance out or decrease the number of breaths taken overall. It is advised you learn the practices at a Dhyan Foundation centre near you.

Veerbhadra Asan – Stand straight. As you inhale, slowly bend forward keeping your spine straight. Touch both hands on the ground and raise your left leg up so it remains parallel to the ground as you balance the body on the right leg. Gently exhale and bring the leg down. Repeat this 7 times.

Natraj Asan – Inhaling, bend your knee backwards and lift the left leg behind you and raise your right arm up while you look upwards. Support the left ankle with left hand. As you exhale bring your hand and foot down. Repeat 7 times.

Udyan & Jalandhar Bandh – Stand straight, inhale and expand your stomach as much as possible, then exhale from your mouth emptying the stomach and the lungs as much as possible. The area below the rib cage has to be pulled inwards but only enough so it does not cause any discomfort or trauma. Do a chin lock, Jalandhar Bandh, your chin touching the chest as you look down. Exhale while the abdomen is pulled inside. Gradually release the abdominal lock then the chin lock.

Caution: Kapal bhati pranayam should be avoided completely as it causes hyperactivity and is not advised for diabetes.

Mantra to strengthen the Manipoorak

Along with the asans it’s important to strengthen the Manipoork chakra (navel), as diabetes is caused due to an imbalance in the Manipoorak chakra. The beej mantra of Manipoorak chakra is RAM. Sit in Sukhasan or Vajrasan. Place both palms on the navel, one on top of the other, and chant RAM. To hear the correct uccharan of the mantra, visit www.dhyanfoundation.com.

This mantra activates the Manipoorak chakra.

Dhyan Foundation conducts Asan and Pranayam classes every week in Gurgaon and Vasant Vihar, New Delhi.
To attend, #9999567895

]]>http://theinnerworld.in/spirituality/yogic-perspective/try-yoga-techniques-fight-diabetes/feed/0Yogsutras of Patanjali – Veet Raaga Vishyam Vaa Chittamhttp://theinnerworld.in/spirituality/vedic-pathshala/yogsutras-patanjali-veet-raaga-vishyam-vaa-chittam/
http://theinnerworld.in/spirituality/vedic-pathshala/yogsutras-patanjali-veet-raaga-vishyam-vaa-chittam/#respondMon, 12 Feb 2018 04:51:14 +0000http://theinnerworld.in/?p=276937 Veet Raaga Vishyam Vaa Chittam Veet: Without Raaga: Aattachment to pleasure Vishayam: Objects of senses Vaa: Also Chittam: Chitta (To still oneself on) a chitta which is free from attachments also (purifies the chitta). You become what you follow, if you follow the sun, you exude its brightness, if you follow a monkey, you...

(To still oneself on) a chitta which is free from attachments also (purifies the chitta).

You become what you follow, if you follow the sun, you exude its brightness, if you follow a monkey, you end up dancing around trees. Therefore look for a being who is him/herself free from the bondages of maya (attachment) and still yourself on him/her, your bondages will open.

38

Swapna Nidraa Gyaan Aalambanam Vaa

Swapna: Dream

Nidraa: Sleep

Gyaan: Knowledge through experience

Aalambanam: Depending on, relying on

Vaa: Also

Drawing on the gyan from dreams and sleep pattern also (purifies the chitta).There are four states of mind – conscious, unconscious, subconscious and super-conscious. State of dhyan is the state of super-conscious. Dreams pertain to subconscious, which plays before us our various thoughts and desires juxtaposed with things we see or events that occur around us. However at times, certain subtle experiences also happen in a dream state, which is the activation of super conscious. By studying these various states of mind through practice, being able to differentiate between them and hence, gaining control over them, the chitta gets purified.

39

Yathaa Abhimat Dhyaanaat Vaa

Yathaa: As per

Abhimat: Individual choice

Dhyaanaat: Through dhyan

Vaa: Also

Through dhyan on an object as per individual capacity and choice also, (chitta gets purified).

No two individuals are same, nor are their desires similar. Yoga is therefore an individual journey and as per individual capacity, whatever satisfies his/her need, one may choose a focus which he/she is able to still him/herself on, when he/she is able to still on that one thing/focus, the chitta will get purified.

]]>http://theinnerworld.in/spirituality/vedic-pathshala/yogsutras-patanjali-veet-raaga-vishyam-vaa-chittam/feed/0The real theory of Atomshttp://theinnerworld.in/spirituality/know-your-roots/real-theory-atoms/
http://theinnerworld.in/spirituality/know-your-roots/real-theory-atoms/#respondFri, 09 Feb 2018 06:42:05 +0000http://theinnerworld.in/?p=2766“Ancient Indian theories were brilliant imaginative explanations of the physical structure of the world, and in a large measure, agreed with the discoveries of modern physics.” – A.L. Basham, Australian Indologist Your text books may credit John Dalton (1766 – 1844), an English chemist and physicist, with the development of atomic theory. However, a theory...

“Ancient Indian theories were brilliant imaginative explanations of the

physical structure of the world, and in a large measure, agreed with the

discoveries of modern physics.”

– A.L. Basham, Australian Indologist

Your text books may credit John Dalton (1766 – 1844), an English chemist and physicist, with the development of atomic theory. However, a theory of atoms was actually formulated 2,500 years before Dalton, by an Indian sage and philosopher, known as Acharya Kanad.

Acharya Kanad was born in 600 BC in Prabhas Kshetra (near Dwaraka) in Gujarat, India. His real name was Kashyap. He was on a pilgrimage to Prayag when he saw thousands of pilgrims litter the streets with flowers and rice grains, which they offered at the temple. Kashyap, fascinated by small particles, began collecting the grains of rice. A crowd gathered around to see the strange man collecting grains from the street. Kashyap was asked why he was collecting the grains that even a beggar wouldn’t touch. He told them that individual grains in themselves may seem worthless, but a collection of some hundred grains make up a person’s meal, the collection many meals would feed an entire family and ultimately the entire mankind was made of many families, thus even a single grain of rice was as important as all the valuable riches in this world.

He said, “Every object of creation is made of atoms which in turn connect with each other to form molecules.” He found out universe is made up of “kana” means atoms. He studied atomic theory and found the way atoms move & react with each other. Thus, people began calling him ‘Acharya’ (‘the teacher’), hence the name Acharya Kanad (‘the teacher of small particles’)

Acharya Kanad founded the Vaisheshika School of Philosophy where he taught his ideas about the atom and the nature of the universe. He wrote a book on his research “Vaisheshik Darshan” and became known as “The Father of Atomic theory.” On reading these sutras we find that Kanad’s atomic theory was far more advanced than formulated later by the Greek philosophers, Democritus and Leucippus. Some scholars even go to the extent of saying that in Kanad’s lifetime itself some Greek scholars had visited India and through a debate with the great philosopher had been exposed to Indian ideas about atom, or were atleast influenced by his theories as they went on to postulate their own atomic theories.

Conception of Paramanu (the atom)

Kanad was walking with food in his hand, breaking it into small pieces when he realised that he was unable to divide the food into any further parts, it was too small. From this moment, Kanad conceptualised the idea of a particle that could not be divided any further. He called that indivisible matter Paramanu (atom). He proposed that this indivisible matter could not be sensed through any human organ or seen by the naked eye, and that an inherent urge made one Paramanu combine with another.

Kanad Sutras

All substances, all matter that existed in the universe was formed of Paramanu (atoms). There are different types of Paramanu for the five Pancha Mahabhootas, Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether. Each Paramanu has a peculiar property which depends, on the substance to which it belongs.

An object appears to be heavy under water than it does in air because the density of atoms in water is more than in air. The additional density of object, in water, Kanad said, takes on part of the weight of an object, hence we feel only a part of its total weight, while in air, the lesser density of atoms results in a lesser part of an object’s weight being picked by air, hence we feel the object to be heavier in air than what is was when under the water. Kanad thus foreshadowed Archimedes’ theory that a body immersed in a fluid is subject to an upward force equal in magnitude to the weight of the fluid it displaces.

About his ideas on atom, Kanad observed that an inherent urge made one Paramanu combine with another. When two Paramanu belonging to one class of substance combined, a dwinuka (binary molecule) was the result. This dwinuka had properties similar to the two parents Paramanu. In the material universe, according to him, Paramanu belonging to different classes of substances combine in different combinations giving us a variety of dwinuka, which in other words means different types of substances.

Apart from such combination of different Paramanu, Kanad also put forth the idea of chemical changes occurring because of various factors. He claimed that variation in temperature could bring about such changes. He cited the examples of blackening of a new earthen pot and the ripening of fruit to illustrate the chemical change in substances brought about by the heat.

]]>http://theinnerworld.in/spirituality/know-your-roots/real-theory-atoms/feed/0Take care of your teeth with these ancient methodshttp://theinnerworld.in/health-and-beauty/beauty/take-care-teeth-ancient-methods/
http://theinnerworld.in/health-and-beauty/beauty/take-care-teeth-ancient-methods/#respondThu, 08 Feb 2018 03:36:19 +0000http://theinnerworld.in/?p=2763Trees, shrubs, herbs, flowers, wood and resin are some of the many naturally scented ingredients that form the basis of Ayurveda and modern day aromatherapy and cosmetology. While perfumes find exhaustive mention in our ancient scriptures, there is also mention of other aspects of personal hygiene such as dental (teeth) care and mouth fresheners. The...

Trees, shrubs, herbs, flowers, wood and resin are some of the many naturally scented ingredients that form the basis of Ayurveda and modern day aromatherapy and cosmetology. While perfumes find exhaustive mention in our ancient scriptures, there is also mention of other aspects of personal hygiene such as dental (teeth) care and mouth fresheners.

The Ancient Toothbrush

Varāhamihira has dedicated an entire chapter to toothbrush in his scripture Brhatsamhitā. It reads that a toothbrush may be made of the twigs of spreading creepers, shrubs and trees. Twigs of unknown trees will be rejected and twigs with leaves, those of an even number of joints, those which are split or dry at the ends and those with no bark, ought not to be used. Twigs of Vikankata, Sriphala (Bilva tree) and Kasmari, if chewed, will give a person brahmanical splendour. Twigs of Banyan will increase a person’s wealth and stock of grain. Arka twig will increase splendour of his appearance, while Kakubha will add to his joy. A toothbrush made of twigs of Sirisha and Karanja will make a person wealthy and prosperous, while that made from the twig of Badari will make a person healthy and that of Brihati (eggplant) will give him a long life. Twigs of Aswakarna, Bhadrataru and Chatarushakha will bring a man dignity while a toothbrush of Priyangu, Apamarga, Jambu and Dadima will make a person beloved of all people.

A Toothbrush with Fragrance

While our ancestors were definitely spoilt for choice of toothbrush, Varāhamihira goes on to detail a scented toothbrush formula. It’s reads as follows, allow the toothbrush to soak in a mixture of cow urine and Haritaki (a leafless T. Chebula tree) powder for 7 days. Then soak it in fragrant water prepared with cardamom, cinnamon, Patra, Anjana, honey, Maricha, Nagapushpa and Kushtta till the toothbrush becomes fragrant. Mix together the powder of 4 parts nutmeg, 2 parts Patra and 1 part cardamom and camphor. Smear this mixture over the toothbrush and let it dry in the sun. By using a toothbrush prepared as above, “the appearance of a person will become bright, his countenance agreeable, his mouth pure and of good smell and his voice sweet.”

Mouth Freshener from Antiquity

In addition to fragranced toothbrushes, Mukhavasas (mouth fresheners) were also popular. Cardamom, cloves, Kakkola (flowering murdah), Jaatiphala (nutmeg), Nishakara and Jaatipatrika (mace) were used as mouth fresheners. Alternatively, one could also prepare a tablet to render the mouth fragrant and healthy. A simple recipe involved grinding camphor, kumkuma, kaantam, mrugadarpam (musk), harenuka (a scented drug), kakkola, cloves, jaatikosa, drukpatra, cardamom, musta and latakasturi (muskdana seeds) to a fine powder. This powder when mixed with khadirasara (catechu) and kanyasara (juice of aloe) resulted in the fragranced tablets.

Hygienic and Healthy ‘Paan’

Of the 20 types of royal enjoyments mentioned in Mānasollāsa of King Someśvara, Tamboola bhogah or enjoyment of betel leaf chewing is one of them. The chewing of tamboola (paan) was known to excite sexual passion, brighten personal appearance, promote prosperity, cause the mouth to smell sweet, increase strength and remove phlegmatic affections. Tamboola ingredients usually included musk camphor, kakkola, nutmeg and catechu powder blended with musk, sandal and camphor water. Betel leaves collected from a one year old creeper nourished with river water were considered of best quality. Whereas areca nuts obtained from Nailaavartti, Isvarpura and Kandikapura and dried in shade and perfumed with musk water were preferable.

Such was the detail and attention given to every aspect of health and personal hygiene in ancient India. This is a far cry from the ecologically disastrous, toxic, and superficial approach adopted by the beauty industry today. Nature forms an intrinsic part of our lives, more so than we consciously allow ourselves to believe. Orchards, valleys, blooms and streams play more than just a scenic role in our lives. The relationship between man and nature is delicate and must be nurtured, rather than be exploited. Our ancients were evolved beings who were in harmony with nature and while they depended on naturally occurring ingredients, they maintained the sanctity of this unbreakable bond.

]]>http://theinnerworld.in/health-and-beauty/beauty/take-care-teeth-ancient-methods/feed/0All the soil gone in 60 years? What will happen?http://theinnerworld.in/state-of-affairs/soil-gone-60-years-will-happen/
http://theinnerworld.in/state-of-affairs/soil-gone-60-years-will-happen/#respondWed, 07 Feb 2018 03:32:24 +0000http://theinnerworld.in/?p=2759Scientists project that at the current rate of soil degradation, all of worlds topsoil may be gone in 60 years. WHAT DOES IT HAVE TO DO WITH YOU? Everything. While we are time and again reminded of the importance of air and water in our lives, and how they are fast deteriorating with our actions,...

Scientists project that at the current rate of soil degradation, all of worlds topsoil may be gone in 60 years.

WHAT DOES IT HAVE TO DO WITH YOU?

Everything.

While we are time and again reminded of the importance of air and water in our lives, and how they are fast deteriorating with our actions, seldom does soil become a part of such discussions. Not because it is any less important, but perhaps, because its importance is less known.

Soil is at the bottom of the food chain, yet it is the cornerstone of life on earth. Soil produces 95% of our food. It provides all the nutrients required for successful plant growth. It is also the key player in absorbing carbon (keeping our air cooler and breathable) and filtering water, making available potable groundwater. It greatly reduces flood risk by storing up to 9200 tonnes of water per acre. So minus good topsoil, we are headed towards a world with food, air, water and climate crisis. In short, our doom.

Do we have your attention? Now consider this. It takes over 500 years to generate less than an inch of topsoil. And we haven’t even started as yet!

WHAT HAS BROUGHT US HERE?

‘Humans’. With more humans on the same amount of earth, we have made some really bad survival choices.

Deforestation: Large tracts of forests have been (and are still being cleared) to give way to agriculture, industry and human settlements. With no trees to bind the soil, it gets washed away by running water into water bodies, also leading to floods and further erosion.

Crop Burning: You might have read in the papers, and some, more (un)fortunate ones, experienced the gas chamber like situation in Delhi this November. It was attributed to the agricultural practice of burning the crop stubble to clear land for new plantation. What it did to the air quality, we all know, but what it also does is rip the soil of its carbon content, making it un-inhabitable for the good microbes which promote life on earth in ways more than one.

Over Ploughing: Soil maybe viewed as the skin of earth, ploughing it is like scraping off this skin. Earth then begins to repair it with weeds and microbes (largely bacteria), and later fungi and finally a grassland, forest, etc. depending on the environment and climate. It’s a natural defense mechanism as exposed soil gets irradiated by the sun, killing the microorganisms that hold it together and make it work. This die-off diminishes the soil’s water, nitrogen, and carbon-cycling capacities, not to mention its ability to fight diseases/pathogens and degrade pollutants. Thus exposed, plowed soil soon becomes dead soil, and dead soil washes away during storms or blows away when the wind blows.

Agro Chemicals: Pesticides and other chemicals used on crop plants to increase yields, changes soil composition and disrupts the balance of microorganisms in the soil. This stimulates the growth of harmful bacteria at the expense of beneficial kinds disrupting the soil. If we preserve and nurture soil biology, there is no need for fertilizers and pesticides.

Over Grazing: The conversion of natural ecosystems to pasture land lead to high rates of erosion and loss of topsoil and nutrients through overgrazing, which reduces ground cover, enabling erosion and compaction of the land by wind and rain.

IS THERE A SOLUTION?

Yes, reverse the process. Grow trees. Our ancients practiced, and modern scientists are rediscovering the gift of ‘organic farming’. That is, chemical-free farming without tillage, stubble-burning and over-grazing, with natural soil enrichers like cow urine and cow-dung manure. Start now.

DIGGING UP SOME SOIL TRIVIA

1 Tablespoon of soil has more organisms in it than there are people on earth

500 Minimum years it takes to form one inch of topsoil

5,000 Different types of bacteria in one gram of soil

.01 Percent of the earth’s water held in soil

20,000 Pounds of total living matter in the top six inches of an acre of soil